Term: "Free Download" sucks ! !

[Digby]

Hi Guys

My pet hate for 2008/09 is software website that offer you a "free download"

I have never seen any site charge you to download their software, so why say the download is free.

What they really mean is that there is/maybe a charge for their software, but you can download it and try it or pay for a license.

But they are not going to charge you for the actual download !

[Speedy Gonzales]

They mean the program is free (which can mean trials as well)

Most dont charge you to download whatever

Well they wouldnt last long, if they did

[lakewoodlady]

I agree with Digby, I was looking for a free driver guide and I got the "free download" ok, but would have to pay for getting the drivers. Some reg cleaners and fixes advertise free downloads and I think it is deceptive then to charge for the programs. Not everyone is net savvy and get sucked in of course.

LL

[decibel]

I agree too.

This site advertises all their software as free
http://www.avs4you.com/downloads.aspx?prod=36
but they aren't really.

(You discover that after the download and the install process.)

[wainuitech]

I agree too.

This site advertises all their software as free
http://www.avs4you.com/downloads.aspx?prod=36
but they aren't really.

(You discover that after the download and the install process.)

Errrr NO - the site clearly says " Free Download" not the same as free software - which is the whole object of this thread.

If you click on the registration up top you will see it says about purchasing it.

The software is actually quite good - last year I got the unlimited license when they were doing a promo - and if you look on the left, theres a fair amount you can download - only ever paid once and got the lot - free upgrades to existing software.


LOTS of places advertise like this these days - if people dont bother to read the conditions, or actually look at what they think is free then whos fault is that. Heres an example - go to that site - all the programs are free to download - once there - some are FREE - some are Demo's, some are Trials or shareware - people have to look at what they are getting and under stand whats the difference..

[Sweep]

Digby,

Unless you have a FREE internet service provider then you pay for data downloaded anyway one way or the other.

A free download only means it will not cost you anymore unless you use or want what you downloaded.

If you go over your datacap then it may cost you more and etc.

PressF1 members get free advice or opinions and this may help. Logging on to this site is FREE but your ISP will charge you for data use.

[Ofthesea]

Maybe the issue is that when searching for something "free" there is a lot of unwanted stuff appearing in the results that is not free and it is difficult to filter it out - Digby?

[Baldy]

Theres not even a "Free Lunch" anymore

[Digby]

Digby,

Unless you have a FREE internet service provider then you pay for data downloaded anyway one way or the other.

A free download only means it will not cost you anymore unless you use or want what you downloaded.

If you go over your datacap then it may cost you more and etc.

PressF1 members get free advice or opinions and this may help. Logging on to this site is FREE but your ISP will charge you for data use.

Yes I know what you are saying.

But I still say that these sites that advertise their software with a Free Download are using false advertising.

Are they gonna reimburse me my costs to my ISP for downloading their software ?

Any even M$soft does not charge to download any of their software, so to say they offer "Free Downloads" is marketing hype at best.

[Digby]

Maybe the issue is that when searching for something "free" there is a lot of unwanted stuff appearing in the results that is not free and it is difficult to filter it out - Digby?

Yes I think you are on to it !

That must be the reason they do it, so that their pay for software appears under searches for free software !